And that...was that! Tiberius Gallus heaved an audible sigh of relief when the official tally for the Senatus Consultum Galla Agri Dispensatio pro Populis was announced. After quickly and quietly thanking his supporters, Gallus excused himself from the Senate chambers, and gaining the attention of the slaves waiting with the box outside the door of the Curia Hostilia, he gestured for them to follow him around the corner to a deserted alleyway between the Curia and the adjacent edifice on the Forum.

While the slaves were opening the box, Gallus gave an exaggerated shrug to dislodge his Senatorial toga, then dropped his arms. As the garmet slid off his shoulders, a waiting slave caught it from behind and gathered it up. Gallus took one step forward and raised his arms to either side, allowing two other slaves to drape the contents of the box carefully around the frame of the Tribune. Gallus assisted in the effort, until he was satisfied with his appearance.

As he waited for a final application of chalk powder to the one or two spots on the toga candida which could stand some touch-up, Gallus reviewed in his mind the remaining agenda for this busy market day: first, the announcement from the Rostra telling of passage of the Agrarian Reform measure, followed swiftly by another announcement of his candidacy, then back to the Senate to propose his naval construction bill, which reminded him--

"Demetrius, run to where Gorgo is waiting with the models. Tell him to move the devices adjacent to of the Curia Hostilia, but to keep them covered! We should be ready for the presentation in about a quarter of an hour or so." Resuming his agenda--where was he? Ah, yes, then a proposal concerning incapicated governors and legates, which he had promised Corvus some weeks back. Then back to the Rostra to propose an amendment to the bill which Furius had passed. Then, to the baths to freshen up prior to the dinner engagement with Caius Domitius. What a day!

Striding to the Rostra, Gallus raised his hands in a signal for the crowd's attention. The sun played off his brilliant white toga, and soon his audience was attentive.

"Quirites!" boomed Gallus. "I have news for you from our Senate! They have even now just finished passing the Senatus Consultum Galla Agri Dispensatio pro Populis. My friends, my good Roman friends, you have your agrarian reform! Soon, many of you will--"

The roar of approval erupting from the crowd completely masked the remainder of his words. Smiling, he waited patiently for the din to subside.

"The Senate, attentive to the plight of Rome's citizens, has acted with nobility, justice, and decisiveness to address that situation. The selection process will begin before the end of the year, and come spring planting, many of Rome's Head Count will find themselves once again farming the land...thier land!" Again, sustained cheering.

"Now," Gallus said, making a show of glancing down at his toga candida, "some of you may be wondering if I have any other announcements to make today!" Laughter rippled across the Forum. "Today, I wish to share with you, my fellow citizens, my intention to stand for the Quaestorship.

"During the last year, I have striven to serve the People of Rome here at home. Now, I wish to serve Rome abroad. Our Republic is beset by many enemies abroad. Pirates infest the waters off either coast of Italia. Rebellion seethes in three locations of which we know. The situation in Illyricum seems soon to be resolved, and we have every confidence that Roman order will be restored in Asia province. The Spains appear to be a greater challenge. We have received word of late that Quintus Pomptinus Hilarius, Governor of Hispania Citerior has been captured by Spanish rebels along with the town of Emporiae itself! Only Tarraco remains under tenuous Roman control!

"Well, such a spot might be able to benefit from the services of a Quaestor with some military experience under his belt. Regardless of where the Senate might decide to send a 'Quaestor Gallus,' I will go absolutely NOWHERE at all unless you, the People, first elect me to the job! And that, my friends, is what I am humbly asking you to do this day."

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Tiberius Gallus announces his intent to stand for the Quaestorship